17 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
1. India Moves Citizens in Iran, Israel to Safer Places
Source: The Hindu, Page 1 & 10, June 17, 2025
| Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations; Diaspora Policy) |
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Content:
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Key Developments:
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Indian missions in Tehran and Tel Aviv guiding citizens to safer areas.
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Over 100 Indian students crossed into Armenia; bus relocations initiated from Tehran universities.
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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged with regional counterparts (Iran, Israel, UAE, Armenia).
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Diaspora Dynamics:
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Nearly 25,000 Indians in Israel (primarily skilled labor in construction).
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~7,500 students in Iran at risk; India issued advisories and set up registration/hotline systems.
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Strategic Significance:
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Highlights India’s proactive foreign policy and diplomatic engagement amid Middle East tensions.
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Shows operational readiness in crisis zones and the importance of contingency diplomacy.
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Way Forward:
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India needs a robust and permanent Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for civilian evacuation.
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Strengthen diaspora safety tracking systems and embassies’ real-time outreach capabilities.
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Practice Question:
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“In light of recent events, critically analyze India’s approach to diaspora protection and its role in regional geopolitics.” (250 words / 15 marks) |
2. New Plant Species Discovered in Aravali Hills
Source: Page 5, The Hindu, June 17 2025
| Topic: GS Paper 3 (Environment – Biodiversity) |
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Content:
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Discovery Details:
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Found by Satpura Biodiversity Conservation Society.
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Only known habitat: Galtaji hills, Jaipur.
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Described in international journal Phytotaxa.
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Ecological Importance:
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Adds to endemic biodiversity of India.
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Adapted to semi-arid, rocky environment — vulnerable to habitat change and degradation.
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Conservation Challenge:
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Classified as “Data Deficient” under IUCN Red List.
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Highlights need for proactive research and ecological mapping.
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Way Forward:
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Government should fund regional biodiversity surveys.
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Incorporate new species into habitat conservation plans (especially in semi-arid zones).
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Practice Question:
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Highlight the significance of endemic plant species in biodiversity conservation. Discuss the challenges and strategies for protecting such species in India. (250 words / 15 marks) |
3. India’s Trade Deficit Narrows Due to Low Oil Prices and Strong Services Exports
Source: The Hindu, Page 1 & 10, June 17, 2025
| Topic: GS Paper 3 (Economy – External Sector) |
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Content:
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Trade Performance:
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Exports: Grew 2.8% YoY; Service exports up 9.4% ($32.4B).
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Merchandise exports: Down 2.2% due to oil volatility.
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Non-petroleum exports: Up 5.1%; Imports fell 1%.
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Economic Insights:
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Strong digital and IT services exports continue to support trade balance.
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Merchandise trade vulnerable to global oil price trends.
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Suggests a potential pivot in India’s export strategy towards value-added services.
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Way Forward:
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Diversify export basket beyond petroleum and traditional sectors.
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Focus on global value chains and green-tech exports.
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Practice Question:
| “How do fluctuations in global oil prices impact India’s trade balance? Suggest policy measures to build resilience in India’s export sector.” (150 words / 10 marks) |
4. India’s Retaliatory Trade Restrictions and Regional Friction in BIMSTEC
Source: The Hindu, Page 6, June 17, 2025
| Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations – Neighbourhood Policy; Regional Groupings) |
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Content:
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Background:
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India cancelled Dhaka’s facility to use Indian ports for exports.
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Interpreted as reaction to Bangladesh’s growing ties with China and remarks on Northeast India.
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Strategic Implications:
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Undermines India’s image as a neutral regional integrator.
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May impact smaller BIMSTEC nations’ confidence in India-led connectivity.
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Shows emergence of transactional geopolitics in economic corridors.
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Way Forward:
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Establish clear, rule-based trade mechanisms.
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Balance political sensitivities with cooperative economic policy.
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Enhance credibility in regional forums like BIMSTEC through institutional transparency.
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Practice Question:
| “Critically examine how India’s evolving geopolitical interests are influencing its approach towards regional economic cooperation in South Asia.” (150 words / 10 marks) |
1. India Moving Citizens in Iran, Israel to Safer Places
Source: Page 1, The Hindu
| Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations) |
| Context |
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Analysis of the news:
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The Indian Embassy in Tehran is coordinating with local authorities to relocate citizens by bus.
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Over 100 Indian students crossed into Armenia for safety.
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Israel’s airspace is shut; Indian embassy in Tel Aviv assisting citizens to exit via Jordan and Egypt land routes.
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Approximately 25,000 Indian workers in Israel, mainly in the construction sector.
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Crisis response includes advisories and border route guidance.
2. New flowering plant species discovered in Aravali hills near Jaipur
Source: Page 5, The Hindu
| Topic: GS Paper 3 (Environment) |
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Analysis of the news:
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The plant species is named Portulaca bharat.
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Found near the Galtaji temple, Jaipur (Aravali range).
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Classified under the IUCN category: Data Deficient.
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Belongs to the genus Portulaca, which includes ~153 global species.
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Known for surviving in semi-arid conditions with water-storing tissues.
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Only one population known; makes it highly vulnerable.
Check more: 16 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
